employees don’t understand the valueproposition of the company, they maychoose to walk away. If customers don’tunderstand, they will move on to yourcompetition.”For those who aspire to move into theexecutive ranks, Albritton advises,“Become a student of the business. Payattention, and ask questions. Everythingyou’re doing as you transition your roleis preparing you to become a businessleader, which is different than being afunctional leader.”

“That super magic power”

Becoming a trusted adviser is not alwaysan easy or quick process, and it requiresconfidence and courage. As you move upin your career, find mentors and alignwith a few executive team membersyou trust or admire, and have regularmeetings with them. Begin to positionyourself as a business partner by sharingyour observations of the challenges andopportunities you see and where youthink communication can be improvedor altered to help. Ask to be invited tothe next leadership meeting, and beprepared to listen—and more import-ant, be prepared to speak up with yourobservations.

“The one thing communicators bring
to the table that most executives don’t
have is that nearly instantaneous ability
to see the business through the eyes of
outsiders and look around the corners
that others weren’t even aware existed,”
says Barnes. “Never underestimate that
super magic power.”

about the author
Angee Linsey is the managing director of
Linsey Careers, a retained search firm that
specializes in finding corporate communication, public relations and marketing
talent for companies in the U.S. Follow
her on Twitter: @linseycareers.